News

This week, I watched as Indigenous people from across Canada received words of recognition and apology for years of torture and abuse experienced in residential schools across Canada. I watched as tears fell on faces and as single arms were raised high into the air, and I saw that in seeking what is right, Indigenous people once again showed what it means to act with bravery, and with courage and with unbreakable spirit and indomitable resolve.

I respect that the words delivered this week have landed differently amongst those who are scarred by the actions of the Catholic Church and I respect that recognition and apology can feel like a trite offering to a history of abhorrent physical, emotional, mental, spiritual and sexual abuse; after a history of cultural genocide.

Canadian researchers continue to advance knowledge on a range of issues affecting the Arctic and the North, but the research landscape remains both complex and fragmented. A clear vision is required to ensure that Canada supports research that aids the self-determination and well-being of Arctic and Northern communities and responds to the needs and priorities of the people who live there. At the request of a consortium of Arctic and Northern research organizations from across Canada, led by ArcticNet, the Council of Canadian Academies (CCA) has formed an Expert Panel to identify the key foundational elements required to create an inclusive, collaborative, effective, and world-class Arctic and Northern science system. The Panel will be co-chaired by Karla Jessen Williamson, PhD, Assistant Professor, Educational Foundations, University of Saskatchewan, and Ashlee Cunsolo, PhD, Founding Dean, School of Arctic and Subarctic Studies, Labrador Campus of Memorial University.

WHITEHORSE, YT—Peter Deegan is Yukon University’s new vice-president Finance & Administration and Chief Financial Officer.

Deegan is a Chartered Professional Accountant who was most recently vice-president Corporate Services and CFO with the Labrador-Grenfell Health Authority, one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s four regional health authorities.

“Peter brings extensive public sector finance and administration experience from Labrador, Saskatchewan and Ireland to his new role, as well as a comfort with living in Northern Canada and working with Indigenous communities. He is a true champion for the value of education and is looking forward to joining Canada’s post-secondary sector,” said Dr. Lesley Brown, president and vice-chancellor, Yukon University.

The Adäka Cultural Festival is happy to announce partnership with Yukon University for its 10th anniversary.
YukonU is joining Adäka’s new Giving with Intention partner program to support the Connection Giving Circle. This new partnership between YukonU and Adäka will lift up the “Indigenous Storytelling Series” at the 2022 Festival and contribute to the research and revitalization of Yukon’s storytelling culture. The Series will see both Elders and emerging storytellers engage audiences in powerful and mesmerizing experiences as they share stories from their Indigenous cultures from July 1st to the 5th of festival programming.

WHITEHORSE—Yukon University, Yukonstruct, and Yukon Venture Angels, with the support of the Government of Yukon, is providing programming to local entrepreneurs and businesses in the Yukon by partnering with Spring Activator and Volition to run an Investment

Five Indigenous youth, including several Yukon high school students, will receive training and mentorship in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and Indigenous-led research approaches in partnership with researchers at the YukonU Research Centre this summer. 

WHITEHORSE, YT—Yukon University will celebrate the graduating class of 2022 with an in-person convocation ceremony this Saturday, June 4. 

Two hundred and eleven students from 37 certificate, diploma and degree programs will cross the stage to receive their credential and congratulations from Chancellor Allen, President Brown and faculty. 

Renowned architect Alfred Waugh (pictured left) is keynote speaker. In 1993, Waugh became the first Aboriginal person to graduate with honours with a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of British Columbia. He went on to become a LEED certified registered architect. Waugh’s company, Formline Architecture, has developed a reputation for finely crafted cultural and sustainable buildings with an award-winning portfolio of projects in Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan and Alberta. 

Funding for the linked efforts of Yukon University’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Yukonstruct Society supports resilience and growth
 

A key part of Canada’s economic recovery is supporting businesses as they adapt, grow, and move forward from the pandemic. Businesses and entrepreneurs need a strong foundation, built on technological innovation and clean growth to create the workforce of the future.

Across the territories, Northern and Indigenous partners are building a path forward through creativity, collaboration and determination. In the Yukon, this is demonstrated by the united efforts of the Yukon’s innovation community, which has worked closely together to adapt and grow through challenging times.

Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN) and researchers at Yukon University are working in collaboration to address the effects of climate change thanks to a multi-year research project that will assess the vulnerability of the CAFN Traditional Territory to climate change and permafrost thaw.

Today, the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, announced $429,028 in funding for the project through the Climate Change Preparedness in the North Program. He was joined by CAFN Chief Steve Smith, Dr. Lesley Brown, President and Vice-Chancellor, Yukon University, and Dr. Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for Yukon, at an event at Yukon’s NorthLight Innovation Centre.

WHITEHORSE, YT—Northern Vision Development (NVD) donated $1 million to Yukon University today and issued a challenge to Yukoners to raise a further $3 million to support students in their education goals.

“Yukon University’s new strategic plan offers a bold vision of the impact Canada’s first university north of 60 can have on our future. We challenge business leaders and individuals across the territory to fuel student success, research grounded in northern values and inspiring ways of teaching and learning. I look forward to working closely with Wendy Tayler and the Yukon University Foundation over the next two years to multiply the power of NVD’s gift,” said Rich Thompson, president, and chief executive officer, NVD.

Tune in as we celebrate our first-ever presidential installation!

Dr. Lesley Brown will be officially installed as the eighth President and Vice-Chancellor of Yukon University in a ceremony held at the Kwänlin Dün Cultural Centre in Whitehorse, Yukon.

Friday, May 13, 10:30 Yukon Standard Time
President Installation Program